Is rehab free in Tennessee?
+
Some programs are. Of the 284 Tennessee programs in our directory, 10 report that they accept no payment, and 5 are run by a state, county, tribal or federal agency. Of the government-run programs, 4 are run by the VA, the Department of Defense or the Indian Health Service. Those programs serve only eligible veterans, military health system patients or American Indian and Alaska Native patients. Government-run programs can still bill insurance or charge on a sliding scale, so ask about cost when you call. If you have no insurance, SAMHSA's National Helpline (see samhsa.gov) can refer you to Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS), Division of Substance Abuse Services, which handles state-funded treatment.
Does Tennessee Medicaid cover rehab?
+
199 of the 284 Tennessee programs in our directory say they accept Medicaid. Tennessee's Medicaid program is TennCare. State Medicaid programs cover addiction treatment to different degrees, so ask the program and your Medicaid plan which services are covered before you start.
How much does rehab cost without insurance?
+
It depends on the type of care, how long it lasts and the program itself. Outpatient care usually costs less than a residential stay. In Tennessee, 92 programs in our directory use a sliding fee scale based on income, and 65 offer payment assistance. Ask for the self-pay rate and whether you qualify for a reduced fee before you're admitted.
Who gets priority for state-funded treatment?
+
Under federal block grant rules, programs that get block grant funds and serve women must give pregnant women preference for admission. Funded programs that serve people who inject drugs give treatment preference in this order: pregnant women who inject drugs, other pregnant women with a substance use disorder, people who inject drugs, and then everyone else (45 CFR 96.131). Other eligibility rules vary by state, so ask the program or Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS), Division of Substance Abuse Services.
What is the difference between a sliding fee scale and payment assistance?
+
A sliding fee scale sets what you pay based on your income and other factors. Payment assistance varies more: each program decides what help it offers, so ask what's available and what paperwork you'll need.
Are there options for veterans and tribal members?
+
Yes. Veterans can ask the VA about substance use treatment through VA health care. American Indian and Alaska Native people can contact the Indian Health Service or a tribal health program about alcohol and substance use services.